Business Acceptance of Information Technology: Expanding TAM Using Industry Sector and Technological Compatibility

This study analyzes current and future company use of various new business technologies, such as management software, employing a technology acceptance model (TAM) optimized by the inclusion of experience with other technologies (Internet, e-mail, EDI, Web procurement). Moreover, it examines whether relationships in the model change according to sectors to which companies belong, that is, if there exists a moderating effect of industry. The study applies two types of analyses: structural and multisample. The results show that technological compatibility, web procurement, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use influence future use of business technologies. Companies should be aware that interrelationships exist among the various information technologies. Investment in a specific IT may facilitate the acceptance and subsequent performance of other applications. Furthermore, the “industry effect” modifies two important TAM relationships, and consequently it affects the company behavior regarding technology.